Building a Future with Paso Robles Youth Arts
$340,824
Empowering Paso Robles Youth Arts to enhance student safety through technology upgrades and building improvements while also investing in staff and staff benefits to support organizational growth.
The Need
Access to arts education has a transformative impact on youth, significantly lowering the risk of dropout by five times, and increasing the likelihood of academic recognition by four times. Furthermore, at-risk students with access to arts education perform better academically and are more engaged in civic activities – essential traits for building a vibrant, resilient community.
Paso Robles Youth Arts serves over 600 youth annually, providing free, high-quality after-school programs in arts, music, dance, theatre, culinary, and media arts. Strategically centered in one of Paso Robles' lowest-income areas, the center makes arts education accessible to some of the region’s most underserved youth. When the arts are equitably accessible, they bridge the gap between low and high-income students, creating a foundation for success that extends beyond the classroom.
The Outcome
The collaboration between Must! Charities and Paso Robles Youth Arts address critical needs that will enhance safety and support staff to create a secure, welcoming environment for youth. By focusing on facility security and staffing, Paso Robles Youth Arts will improve the learning atmosphere, ensure accountability, and offer a safe after-school space for community youth to engage in arts.
Key improvements include:
- Installing a double-door entry system for enhanced security
- Implementing a state-of-the-art video surveillance system for greater visibility and safety
- Increasing long-term benefits for full-time employees
- Hiring a full-time Office Administrator
- Purchasing student management software
The Impact
Investing today in staff, staff benefits, and safety measures lays the foundation for Paso Robles Youth Arts to expand and increase its capacity and offerings. Doing so will:
- Increase the number of classes for underserved youth
- Provide new offerings, including adult classes and classes for homeschooled families
- Provide first-phase improvements toward PRYA’s expansion campaign
These improvements diversify programming to better meet the needs of students and the broader community, ensuring long-term sustainability.